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Police

Posted on: January 22, 2019

City Manager Announces Plans for Police Chief Search

City Manager Jon Jennings today announced that the City will be conducting a national search for its next Police Chief.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit applications to the city beginning next month and following a review of submissions, selected candidates will be invited to be interviewed by several panels including city staff, municipal employee union leadership, and community members, as well as an evaluation by an outside assessment center. These exercises will help to inform the City Manager as he makes his final determination for Police Chief.

“Portland is fortunate to have a progressive police department that is at the forefront of addressing issues related to mental health, substance use, and community policing all with a highly dedicated and professional set of officers who are committed to making a difference each and every day in our community,” said City Manager Jon Jennings.

“Because the police chief is such a public facing position that works so closely with the various constituencies in our community, I feel it is important to conduct a competitive search process in conjunction with the public and other members of city staff. I am confident this process will lead us to a well qualified and experienced Chief that will be able to hit the ground running and keep current projects moving forward.”

By February 1, the City will begin advertising the position with both local and national outlets including several national and regional policing organizations. Applications for the position are due at the close of business Friday, March 8, 2019. The goal is to have the City Manager name a permanent police chief by late spring or early summer.

Qualified candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of the police department’s divisions and various operations and extensive knowledge of best practices including community policing, use of force, patrol and crime prevention, and behavioral health and substance use issues. The candidate should bring a high degree of professionalism, and proven leadership abilities to the job, and possess the highest degree of integrity, honesty, fairness, and morals. She or he should also be able to manage all aspects of municipal budgets, apply changes as necessary, seek additional resources, and stay on top of technological advancements in policing.

“I’d like to thank Chief Malloch for stepping up and leading the department during this transitional time,” Jennings added. “My decision to conduct a national search is in no way reflective of his leadership or qualifications. Chief Malloch has done a wonderful job in the interim capacity.”

More detailed information regarding the city’s police chief search can be found after the position is posted on February 1, 2019 by visiting the city’s website at www.portlandmaine.gov/jobs. Former Police Chief Michael Sauschuck left the role in August 2018 to become the City’s Assistant City Manager. In December, he was tapped by Governor Janet Mills to become the state’s next Commissioner of Public Safety. In the interim, Assistant Chief Vern Malloch has been serving as the acting chief.